Psychosomatic Aspects of Respiratory Disorders

Abstract

The major psychophysiologic respiratory disorder is bronchial asthma. Many asthmatics seem to have an exaggerated need for mother love. A sensitivity of some asthmatics to perceptual cues is seen in their response to supposed irritants or allergens. Emotions may directly affect the central nervous system's control of airway caliber and may also modify immunologic or allergic processes.